The Bibles abstract and epitome the capitall heads, examples, sentences, and precepts of all the principall matters in theologie : collected together for the most part alphabetically, with the doctrine and uses compendiously explained of all the chiefe points therein contayned : taken out of the best moderne divines, both reverend and learned

Bernard, Richard, 1568-1641.

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Of GOD.

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Of Restitution.

REstitution is to be made by all such as have taken any thing wrongfully by Usu∣ry, oppression, deceit or such like: Without which mans repentance for sinne * is not acceptable before God: And therefore we are to follow Christs command herein, (saying) If thou bringest thy gift to the Altar, &c. go• first and be recon∣ciled * to thy brother, then come and offer thy gift, &c.

[Object.] What if I be not able to make restitution, will not God then be mercifull and heare the prayer made to him?

[Answ.] Debt is not deadly sinne, when a man hath no meanes, there must be votall re∣stitution, if there cannot be actuall, quoad affectum, though thou cannot quoad ef∣fectum: * If there •e a willing mind it is sufficient, not according to that a man hath, but according to that which he hath not. God reckons that as done, which a man, Vere voluit, tametsi adimplere non valuit: faithfully would, though not fully could accomplish.

David said, O Lord, thou knowest mine innocencie.*

Samuel Whose oxe or asse have I taken, whom have I defrauded, whom have I hurt? Or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes there∣with? And I will restore it.

Michah give to his mother, the silver that he had taken from her *

Iob Said, If my land cry against me, or the surrowes thereof complaine together, let * this•les grow instead of wheate, and cockell instead of barly: And againe saith, The wicked shall restore that he tooke violently.*

Zacheus, If I have taken by false accusation: I will restore four fold.

Iudas will condemne many, who brought againe the peeces of silver.

Nehemiah caused the Jewes to restore what was exacted by them.

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Salomon willed not to with-hold the goods from the owner of them▪**
The Lord commanded restitution to be made of things taken to keepe, taken by robbery, by violence, oppression and such like.
If the wicked restore the pledge, and give againe that he had robbed, &c. He shall *live and not die, saith the Lord.
Owe nothing to any man, but love one another (saith the Apostle.)*
The ungodly borroweth and payeth not againe, but the righteous is mercifull and *liberall (saith the Psalmist.)
Reade Ier. 20. 18. • Cor. 7. 2. Exod. 22. 3. &c Numb. 5. 8. &c.

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